Left untreated, PAD can lead to amputation

Many treatment options are available

There is good news for the millions of Americans living with peripheral artery disease (PAD)6: Many treatment options are available. If you’re concerned about your condition, don’t wait to explore these options. Discuss your symptoms with a health care professional now. In some cases, your doctor may recommend diet changes, exercise and/or medications. If that is unsuccessful, your doctor may also recommend minimally invasive treatment options.20 In minimally invasive surgery, surgeons use a variety of techniques to operate with less injury to the body than with open surgery. In general, it is safer than open surgery and allows you to recover faster and heal with less pain and scarring.

Angioplasty and atherectomy are types of minimally invasive procedures you might hear about. These methods are called endovascular, meaning the procedure takes place “inside the blood vessel.” To perform endovascular procedures, surgeons use special technologies and instruments. These procedures require only a small incision or puncture in an artery. Arterial bypass surgery is another treatment option your doctor may recommend. This procedure uses a blood vessel or synthetic tube to help blood flow around a narrowed or blocked artery.

Ask your health care professional if he or she is familiar with the treatment options for PAD.20 If your doctor is not aware of all the different possibilities, consult a PAD specialist.33 You can locate one with our Find a Doctor tool.